Chapter 16: Establishing the SCP Foundation Containment Facility

After bringing Nao Tomori and Annie from the surface into the lab—

Haruto arranged for Nao Tomori and Shunsuke to meet.

Meanwhile, he went to deal with the lab's high-ranking officials.

The high-rankers were absolutely terrified of Haruto.

After all, this man had stormed the facility alone.

Every soldier they sent his way was wiped out instantly.

Even semi-automatic rifles couldn't stop him.

Worse yet, when the high-rankers saw Haruto rampage through surveillance, they tried to flee.

But in the next moment, they saw Haruto charging straight toward their location.

It was as if he knew the underground lab like the back of his hand—where to go, which paths were the fastest.

They had no way of comprehending the power of the Blacklight Virus.

Just by coming into contact with someone's blood, Haruto could absorb their genes, acquire their memories, and even disguise himself as them.

All he needed was to break into the lab.

Kill a squad leader—

Then he'd know where the captain was.

Kill the captain—

Then he'd know where the executives were.

Now, the high-ranking officials knelt in a row, awaiting Haruto's judgment.

"All of you are wealthy and powerful people. Surely, you don't wish to die so young?"

Haruto smiled.

But to the executives, that smile belonged to the devil himself.

"From now on, follow my instructions and swear allegiance to the SCP Foundation. That way, you can survive."

"Perhaps, you may even gain greater power. And fighting for the future of humanity is far more noble than what you're doing now."

"How about it? The conditions are quite generous, aren't they?"

To everyone present, this sounded like the whisper of a devil.

However, at this moment, they had no other choice.

In the end, 80% of the high-ranking officials chose to sign the unfair agreement and pledge their loyalty to the SCP Foundation.

The remaining 20% were executed on the spot.

Moreover, all assets of the executed individuals were confiscated and transferred to the Foundation for future use.

The secret laboratory was also completely converted into an SCP Foundation containment branch.

After dealing with these high-ranking officials, Haruto went to find Otosaka Shunsuke again.

Nao Tomori had already told Shunsuke everything about her encounter with Haruto.

Including the fact that Haruto had single-handedly taken down the entire laboratory.

At this moment, Shunsuke's gaze toward Haruto was filled with admiration.

"Haruto-sama, thank you for your intervention. On behalf of everyone, I express my gratitude."

Shunsuke spoke sincerely.

However, Haruto merely waved his hand.

"You're thanking me too soon. I still have conditions."

Hearing this, Kumeari's expression immediately changed.

Nao Tomori remained silent.

Shunsuke however, calmly waited for the next words.

He was a smart person and knew that nothing in the world came for free.

"The SCP Foundation's duty is to contain anomalies and protect the general public's perception of reality. And you all... are anomalies."

Haruto spoke calmly.

Kumeari was about to refute immediately.

After all, it wasn't as if they had chosen to awaken their abilities.

Shunsuke held him back, signaling him not to be impulsive.

Haruto continued:

"But your anomalies are time-limited. Once adolescence ends, they will disappear. My request is that you all temporarily stay in the laboratory for a while. Later, I will establish a campus in the outside world where you can operate freely.

Until adolescence ends, please remain under monitoring and refrain from using your abilities in front of ordinary people.

After adolescence, you will be free. Of course, Foundation intelligence must remain confidential."

After finishing, Haruto awaited their response.

If they refused, Haruto was confident that, at this close distance, he could instantly destroy Otosaka Shun'ei's eyes, preventing him from using his abilities.

Aside from Shunsuke, everyone else in the lab was controllable. Shunsuke didn't take long to think before smiling and saying,

"Compared to our past lives, the conditions you've offered are like heaven.

I understand. We accept the conditions—this is also for the sake of keeping everyone safe."

"Haruto-sama, please accept my sincerest gratitude."

Saying that, Shunsuke bowed deeply.

Haruto immediately helped him up.

"It's great that you're willing to cooperate. Everything is for humanity."

"Shunsuke, are you interested in joining the SCP Foundation? You have the talent to protect humanity!"

Shunsuke nodded.

"Please allow me to join."

Haruto smiled and took out the Absolute Contract Codex.

Without hesitation, Otosaka Shunsuke signed it without even checking the contents.

Afterward, Haruto assigned the management of the lab's Puberty Syndrome patients to Shunsuke.

He then took on the role of a hands-off supervisor and left.

Once Haruto was gone, Kumeari approached with a frown and asked:

"Shun'ei, why did you join that Foundation?"

Shunsuke smiled bitterly and shook his head.

"I had no choice. Haven't you realized? I'm the only unstable factor here. That man is confident he can stop me before I activate my ability. I had no right to refuse."

Kumeari immediately became enraged.

But Shunsuke shook his head again.

"That man truly saved us and gave us a relatively free life. No matter what his intentions are, what matters is what he did, Kumeari."

After that, Shunsuke went to reassure the others.

At the same time, he explained Haruto's rules clearly, instructing everyone to follow them.

Since the people in the lab had always followed Shunsuke, and since they no longer had to endure daily torment, they were naturally more than willing to comply.

[Puberty Syndrome individuals contained: 1,397]

[Since the contained individuals share the same origin, the reward has been consolidated into a Level 4 draw opportunity.]

Looking at the system panel that popped up, Haruto smiled.

"A smart man."

"Why are you still following me?"

Leaving the lab, Haruto looked at the empty space behind him and asked a soul-searching question.

Nao Tomori revealed herself and stuck out her tongue.

"Ah, you noticed."

Haruto had no words.

His perception was beyond human limits; visual distortion alone couldn't deceive him.

Not to mention, he also had Annie with him.

Nao Tomori's ability could only hide from one person.

(By the way, in this world setting, Otosaka Yuu from Charlotte won't be included—just assume he doesn't exist.)

(T/N: Thats what he said)